Numerous reports document elevated cancer rates among children living near nuclear facilities in various nations. Little research has examined U.S. rates near the nation's 103 operating reactors. This article presents a study which determined that cancer incidence for children less than 10 years of age who live within 48 km of each of 14 nuclear plants in the eastern U.S. exceeds the national average. Ionizing radiation poses a significant health risk to fetuses, infants, and children. Pelvic X-rays delivered to pregnant mothers raise cancer risk during childhood and increased background radiation is associated with elevated cancer levels among exposed children.